Health: These 5 signs on your tongue can make you sick

The normal tongue is pink or light red in color. If its color changes, it can be a sign of some internal problem

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal
Updated : 7 August 2025, 2:11 PM IST
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New Delhi: Many times, health related problems are not detected until a major problem arises. But the body starts giving signals in some way or the other. Some such signs (Signs of Bad Health on Tongue) are also visible on our tongue.

The tongue is a mirror of our health. Therefore, changes in the tongue can also be a sign of some kind of internal problem. However, most people ignore them and do not take them seriously. But if these signs are recognized on time, then a big problem can be avoided. Let us know the 5 warning signs visible on the tongue (Warning Health Signs on Tongue), which can warn you about hidden diseases.

Changing color of tongue
The normal tongue is pink or light red in color. If its color changes, it can be a sign of some internal problem-

White tongue- This can be a symptom of dehydration, oral thrush (fungal infection) or leukoplakia (problem caused by smoking).

Yellow tongue- This can be due to liver or stomach problems, excessive smoking or bacterial infection.

Black tongue- This is due to excessive accumulation of bacteria or fungus, which is often associated with poor oral hygiene or side effects of antibiotics.

Blue or purple tongue- This can indicate lack of oxygen, heart disease or blood circulation problems.

White, black or green coating on the tongue

Coating on the tongue means that bacteria, dead cells or fungus have accumulated on it-

White coating- Sign of oral thrush, diabetes or weak immunity.

Black coating- May be caused by smoking, drinking too much coffee or taking antibiotics.
Green coating- This does not usually happen, but it can be a sign of fungal infection or liver related problems.
Swelling in the tongue
If the tongue seems more swollen than normal, then there can be many reasons behind it-
Allergic reaction- Any food item, medicine or insect bite can cause swelling in the tongue.
Hypothyroidism- Lack of thyroid hormone can cause the tongue to become thick and swollen.
Vitamin-B12 deficiency- This can cause the tongue to become smooth and red along with swelling.
Blisters or red spots on the tongue
Blisters or red spots on the tongue can be caused by many reasons-
Mouth ulcers- Occur due to stress, vitamin deficiency or eating too much acidic food.
Scarlet fever- In this disease, strawberry-like red rashes appear on the tongue.
HIV/AIDS- When the immune system is weak, there may be continuous wounds on the tongue.
Numbness or tingling of the tongue
If you feel numbness or tingling in the tongue, it could be a sign of neurological problems, vitamin B12 deficiency or diabetes.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 7 August 2025, 2:11 PM IST